American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

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Study for the ABIM Certification Exam. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, with hints and explanations for each. Get ready to succeed!

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Which of the following is NOT considered an alarm symptom of dyspepsia?

Melena
Early satiety
Heartburn
Unintentional weight loss

The correct answer is: Heartburn

Heartburn is a common symptom associated with dyspepsia and is generally not classified as an alarm symptom. Alarm symptoms are specific indicators that may suggest a more serious underlying condition, such as malignancy or other gastrointestinal disorders. Melena, early satiety, and unintentional weight loss are all considered alarm symptoms because they can signify significant concerns. Melena indicates gastrointestinal bleeding, early satiety may suggest gastric outlet obstruction or other serious pathology, and unintentional weight loss is often associated with malignancy or chronic disease. In contrast, heartburn is frequently experienced in benign conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and, while it can be uncomfortable, it does not typically point to a serious underlying issue, making it the correct choice, as it is not an alarm symptom of dyspepsia.